Southington Pupils Meet Writer

January 28, 1995|By MARYELLEN FILLO; Courant Staff Writer

SOUTHINGTON — Groundhog Day was celebrated a week early at Central Elementary School Friday as students enjoyed a meeting with February's most popular rodent and the author who made him famous with children.

Avon resident Julia Moutran, who wrote ``Punxsutawney Phil . . . The Fearless Forecaster,'' entertained and educated students by explaining the Feb. 2 tradition, and sharing a new movie based on her book about the pudgy predictor of spring.

The former teacher, who wrote the popular children's story at the urging of a daughter who was born on Groundhog Day, explained that the tradition was brought to the United States by German immigrants, who settled in Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s.

It is believed that if the groundhog sees its shadow on Feb. 2, there will be six more weeks of winter. If there is no shadow, spring is imminent. Traditionally, the country turns to Punxsutawney country in Pennsylvania for the official forecast.

Emphasizing the creativity needed to write a book, Moutran used the program to encourage youngsters to write.

``You should feel a sense of pride when you write,'' she told one of several groups of students who visited with her for an hour.

``Look at what you do in your life, research a subject you are interested in writing about, look to your friends or teachers or parents for support. Use your imagination,'' she said.

``I don't think I could do it,'' said 9-year-old Kate Richters as she listened to Moutran.

``I don't think I do anything exciting enough to write about,'' she added later, as she waited for Moutran's autograph. ``But I'd like to try.''

The session was sponsored by the parent teacher group as part of the school's cultural enrichment program. Most of the students were familiar with the book and the new stuffed animals that accompany the newest edition.

``I'd love the stuffed animal,'' said Christina Muzzy as she watched Moutran display the groundhog wares available for sale.

Written in 1987, ``Punxsutawney Phil'' is one of several books by Moutron, who is working on a book about the Special Olympics in celebration of the international games to be held in Connecticut later this year.

Moutran said she enjoys visiting schools and talking about writing with students. Youngsters find it particularly exciting to meet an author, she said.

``This is my first time,'' Muzzy said as she waited for her autograph. ``It is pretty exciting.''